Shelia Mae Garrow, 80
CAMDEN, Del. - Shelia Mae Garrow passed away Friday, June 17, 2022, at Kent General Hospital.
Born March 14, 1942, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Emil Oscar Larson of Sweden and Ivy Morwena (Ellis) Larson of Wales. The family relocated to Dover, Delaware where Sheila spent many of her formative years. She graduated from Dover High School in 1960 and maintained lifelong friendships throughout her life. She was active in school clubs and government and remembered as being "happy as a daisy…a skillful stenographer…a magnificent style in penmanship." Sheila was an excellent athlete and competed as pitcher in high school fast pitch softball when they went undefeated in her senior year. Always active, she enjoyed tennis her entire adult life.
It was at Dover High Sheila met Robert (Bob) Garrow, a Dover native, and they married February 11, 1961. He preceded her in death on December 15, 2009.
Sheila distinguished herself in the professional arena, as well. Her natural poise, intelligence, and integrity earned her high-level administrative positions at Wilmington University, the University of Delaware and the State Education Department as an invaluable and trusted executive assistant to leaders of these institutions. As a part of her job, she often found herself in interesting company (Governors, Presidents) and enjoying unusual experiences (riding in the cockpit of a USAF C5A). She was always up for fun and adventure.
After several years of marriage, Sheila and Bob welcomed their only daughter, Tricia Renee Garrow, on August 1, 1971. Tricia was the light of Sheila's life. And Tricia blessed Sheila with a beautiful granddaughter, Taryn Renee Martin, on September 28, 2003. The three of them were inseparable and enjoyed each other's company and support every day of their lives, always sharing holidays, travel, and every milestone of life. Sadly, both Tricia and Taryn lost their lives in 2014 as the result of a car accident. Sheila endured this tragedy bravely. It is with sadness that family and friends bid her farewell from this mortal existence but are comforted by her belief that they are now joined in Heaven along with all beloved family that previously passed.
In addition to those mentioned, she is preceded in death by two brothers, William Larson of Kissimmee, Florida and Howell "Eric" Larson of Tallahassee, Florida.
Mrs. Garrow is survived by her younger brother, George H. Larson, of Sacramento, Calif., Mary Both Larson (sister-in-law), Geoff Ellis Larson (nephew), Srna Gorgevich-Larson (niece), Andrea Larson Perez (niece), Dean Perez (nephew), and numerous other extended family.
Funeral services will be held Noon Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, Delaware. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery.
For those unable to attend the funeral service there will be a livestream on www.torbertfuneral.com, it can be found under the "Upcoming Livestreams" tab and viewed by clicking on their name.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to your local SPCA.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com